Seniors prep for what they’re not quite ready for

The days of change are upon the class of 2003. You can almost

smell it on the campus as the newly appointed seniors walk or, more

likely, stroll to their classes. There is a certain arrogance to the

superiority complex most walk around with, but it’s hard to blame

them after what seems to have already been an eternity at their high

school.

The senior is a creature that has long survived at the top of the

food chain everywhere in the United States. The metamorphosis from a

caterpillar (freshman) to a butterfly (senior) is well documented in

a downfall of grade trends and poorly grown facial hair. But behind

this cool confidence provided by most seniors is really just a kid

confused about what to do next. I should know, I am one.

So why hide this apparent desperation that most share? Because

it’s never been cool to act like you don’t have a clue. While most

won’t admit it, there is a sense that people should know everything

about something before they even start it. Most seniors don’t have

the faintest idea where they are going to college or much less what

they want to do with their lives. So why is it these are the first

questions someone asks you when you have a dinner party or see anyone

over the age of 30? Most of the time, I just say I plan to go to

Orange Coast College and become an astronaut because it gives them

the impression that I am totally out of touch with reality, which is

not too far off.

But there has been a definite change since the beginning of ninth

grade, and not just the four feet of growth or awkward screeches from

a changing voice (if you’re a male). It’s more the social outlook on

life. The trick to surviving this voyage of puberty and education is

to put everything in perspective, which is more difficult than it

sounds. A failed test no longer means instantaneous death as it used

to, but this also is not something you let occur on a daily basis. As

for friendship, the seniors have one more year and then the majority

of the people they know will forever disappear to a horrible place

called high school reunion land. Be this for better or worse, our

little worlds are being altered.

College is supposed to be the best four years of your life, or

that’s the rumor from those that remember anyway. So perhaps this

brings new found hope to these young but restless seniors -- the fact

that there is something out there better than what they’ve had. But

there always is a little fear when something new comes along; it’s a

natural reaction. Because with this newfound freedom just around the

corner also comes a few responsibilities most are not prepared for,

such as something minor like feeding yourself.

Do not be fooled by your children: We are not ready to leave you

just yet, but we will anyway just to show you we are.

* JOEY RICHTER-KAZER is a Corona del Mar High School senior whose

columns will appear occasionally in the Community Forum section.